How's it looking?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>Hi everyone! I know it's a bit old, but I was just wondering if you could give me a quick idea of my RD chances. I really appreciate this. I know Duke is absolutely insane to get into, but it's worth a shot, right?</p>

<p>GPA: ~3.5 UW taking “Most Difficult Course Load” as my counselor marked it on my record. School has no rank and does not weight grades, yet is extremely rigorous. </p>

<p>SAT: 2240 (790 CR, 730 Writing, 720 Math)
SAT II: 730 US History, 720 Math 1C, 700 Chem</p>

<p>AP’s: AP US History: 5
AP Macroeconomics: 5
AP Statistics: 4</p>

<p>Extracurricular Activities:</p>

<p>• National Ocean Sciences Bowl team fall 2002-present (member of varsity team since sophomore year).
• Yearbook editor fall 2002-2005. Staff member 2005-2006.
• Co-founder and President Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Investor’s Group.</p>

<p>Awards and Honors:</p>

<p>• National Ocean Sciences Bowl regional champions 2003, 2004, 2005.
• Second place at national championship of National Ocean Sciences Bowl in 2005. Team won all-expense paid trip to Bermuda to study coral reef ecology at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research.
• National Merit Commended Student.
• Yearbook won the Top Journalism Award, Class I, New England Scholastic Press Association.
• Dual County League All-Star in Tennis in Spring 2005.
• Certificate of Merit for Excellence on National Spanish Exam at Levels 2, 3, and 4</p>

<p>Athletics:</p>

<p>• Tennis as freshman, sophomore (Varsity), and junior (Varsity). (Tryouts for spring season 2006--senior year--have not yet occurred).</p>

<p>Employment:</p>

<p>• Sales specialist at REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), worked full time over the summer, working 18 hours per week during the school year. Expertise in kayaks, mountain bikes, and car rack systems</p>

<p>Volunteer Work:</p>

<p>• Volunteer tutoring in geological sciences and advanced algebra for peers having academic difficulty.</p>

2

<p>based on your gpa and modest ec's, i think your chances are average</p>

3

<p>I agree that my GPA is quite unextraordinary, but I think my EC's are far from "modest". Not only do they show depth, but I have achieved great success in each one (for instance, NOSB- 2nd place at science quiz bowl National Championships.) Def not average. Will my legacy help at all?</p>

4

<p>Did you write about your trip to Bermuda? One smart thing to do is pick an EC in which you've succeeded and spotlight it to Duke.</p>

<p>Yup, your legacy will help.</p>

5

<p>I'd say you have a pretty good shot, especially if the stats from the ED roster can be applied to the RD pool.</p>

6

<p>I attend a public school in Massachusets. Not that it matters, but I figure I'd put it out there anyways.</p>

7

<p>how does your school grade your classes?
does it give As and Bs or number grades like 92, 98, 86 etc..?</p>

8

<p>school is very politically correct- no weighted classes or valedictorians or prom kings or queens- basically anything that could alienate people, they stay away from. It bugs me because my GPA, when weighted, would prob skyrocket. They give letter grades (93+ is an A, 90+ is an A-, 87+ is a B+, etc.) OK, I'm done ranting. Are my chances anywhere near good? I'd say I've put up good stats, but some of the kids that post here are academic demi-gods.</p>

9

<p>so ur school probably follows A=4.0, B=3.7 etc..?</p>

<p>then thats not good for ur gpa.....
personally considering RD this year....id give u a 30-50% chance</p>

10

<p>how's the mid-year report and the senior year courseload?</p>

11

<p>my school is A= 4.0, A-=3.7 B+= 3.3, etc. This years courseload and grades are as follows:</p>

<p>AP Biology- A-
Calculus (Regular level)- A
English- A-
Spanish 5-1 (hardest language course offered)- B+
Asian Studies- B+</p>

<p>GPA for senior year first semester was 3.6, bringing my GPA up.</p>

12

<p>Although Duke does not list minimum requirements to get in, we all know it is extremely competitive. Although your GPA is not bad, you're EC's are through the roof! I would say you have an average chance, as I know a few people who attend Duke. If your essays are good, you're EC's are good, and SAT's are good, you have a shot! </p>

<p>It pays to be optimistic.</p>